Police watchdog investigates alleged failings by South Yorkshire Police

The probes are among 187 being carried out by the Independent Police Complaints Commission into possible failings by police officers and forces in their handling of historical child sex abuse cases.

Of the investigations, 56 cases relate to South Yorkshire Police; 46 follow allegations against the Metropolitan Police, and 58 against Essex Police.

Complaints about 18 forces have been received by the IPCC, including allegations of what it calls 'high-level corruption'.

So far 27 inquiries have concluded leading to up to 15 officers facing potential disciplinary action, according figures obtained by the BBC under Freedom of Information laws.

The IPCC's director of major investigations, Julian Blazeby, said: "We continue to receive referrals on police actions in child sexual abuse cases from forces across the country.

"The IPCC is committed to investigating the most sensitive and serious incidents of alleged police wrongdoing and many child sexual abuse cases fall within that remit."